When you picture Christmas in Kansas, maybe you imagine snow-covered streets and frosty mornings. In reality, things rarely play out so predictably.
Most years, daytime highs land in the upper 30s, with lows in the lower 20s. There’s only about a 1 in 5 shot of having snow on the ground. A white Christmas? It happens, but honestly, you can’t count on it.
Weather shifts a lot depending on which part of Kansas you’re in. Western Kansas usually runs colder and gets more snow. Southern and eastern parts tend to stay milder with less snow.
This mix makes holiday travel or outdoor plans a bit tricky, especially if you’re hoping for that classic winter vibe.
If you look at past years, you’ll see Christmas has brought everything from bitter cold and deep snow to days that felt more like early spring. These patterns can help you set your expectations and prepare for whatever the holiday throws your way.
Typical Christmas Weather in Kansas
You’ll face cold weather across Kansas in late December. Temperatures often dip below freezing at night.
Snow can fall, but most years bring more dry days than snowy ones.
Average High and Low Temperatures on December 25th
Daytime highs around Christmas usually sit in the low to mid-40s°F (5–7°C). Nights get much colder, with lows averaging in the upper teens to mid-20s°F (-7 to -4°C), depending on where you are.
In eastern Kansas cities like Lawrence and Topeka, highs hover near 42–44°F. Lows drop close to 23–25°F.
Central spots like Salina and Wichita average slightly warmer highs, around 44–46°F, but nights still fall near 22–25°F.
Western Kansas chills down even more, especially after dark. Towns like Goodland and Colby often wake up to lows near 16–18°F, with highs closer to 44°F.
If you’re heading west across the state, pack for colder nights.
Average Precipitation and Snowfall
December is usually pretty dry in Kansas. You’ll get about 1 to 2 inches of precipitation for the month, counting both rain and melted snow.
That’s less than you’d see during spring or early summer, when rain falls more often.
Snowfall stays light compared to northern states. Most areas see 1 to 3 inches of snow in December, though western Kansas can get a bit more thanks to colder air.
Snowy days are rare, with fewer than two days of measurable snow in many years.
Moisture varies by region. Eastern Kansas usually gets more precipitation overall, while the west stays drier.
This pattern holds in December, making snow pretty unreliable across most of the state.
Chances of a White Christmas
Honestly, the odds of waking up to snow on Christmas in Kansas aren’t great. Historical data puts it at just a 10–25% chance for most of the state.
Northern Kansas does a bit better, but the odds are still modest. Southern and central regions rarely see snow sticking around on December 25th.
If you’re chasing snow, try the far north or northwest counties. Even there, it’s a gamble, and plenty of years pass without any measurable snow on Christmas morning.
Regional Weather Differences Across Kansas
Kansas weather in December really depends on where you are. Elevation, geography, and the Plains all play a part in shaping daily temperatures, snowfall, and wind.
Weather in Eastern Versus Western Kansas
Eastern Kansas, including Lawrence and the Kansas City suburbs, tends to be a little wetter and a bit milder in December. Highs often reach the upper 30s to low 40s °F, while lows dip into the low 20s.
Snow can fall, but it’s usually light, with just a slim chance of measurable snow on Christmas Day.
Western Kansas, on the other hand, is colder and drier. Higher elevation and open plains let nighttime temps drop fast, often into the teens. Daytime highs usually stick to the 30s.
Snow falls less often, but when storms hit, they can bring heavier, wind-driven snow thanks to stronger gusts.
Wind stands out more in the west. Gusts on the High Plains often top 25 mph, making the air feel even colder. In the east, winds stay lighter, but humidity is a bit higher, which can make cold days feel damp and raw.
| Region | Avg High (°F) | Avg Low (°F) | Snow Potential |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern KS | 38–42 | 20–24 | Light, scattered |
| Western KS | 32–36 | 14–18 | Less frequent, heavier if storms hit |
Weather Patterns in Topeka and Major Cities
Topeka’s December weather sits somewhere in between eastern and western Kansas. Highs average near 40°F, and lows often fall to around 22°F.
Snowfall is limited, with only a small chance of measurable snow on Christmas.
Kansas City, over on the eastern edge, shares similar averages but gets a slightly higher chance of light snow. Records show about an 18% shot at a white Christmas.
Wichita, farther south, stays milder, with highs often in the low 40s and less frequent snow.
Smaller western cities like Goodland deal with colder conditions. Highs may stay in the 30s, and lows often hit the teens.
Snow cover is more likely there than in Topeka or Wichita, but storms don’t happen as often.
If you’re traveling, expect more reliable roads in the south and east. The west can get hit by short but intense snowstorms.
Wind chill bites more in western towns than in Topeka or Kansas City.
Historical Weather Records for Christmas Day
Christmas weather in Kansas swings wildly—sometimes bitter cold, sometimes weirdly mild. Snow doesn’t fall all that often, but a few years really stand out for big snow that changed the whole holiday.
Record Highs and Lows on Christmas
Kansas has seen both ends of the spectrum on Christmas Day. In Kansas City, the warmest Christmas hit 67°F in 1922. The coldest? -16°F in 1983.
Across the state, highs have climbed into the 60s, and lows have plunged well below zero.
Average conditions are much less dramatic. The typical high sits near 38°F, with an average low around 22°F.
Most years, you’ll deal with chilly but not extreme weather.
Christmas precipitation is usually light. The records show most years get less than 0.25 inches of rain or melted snow.
Winds can be all over the place, but gusts above 40 mph have hit some years, making things feel even colder when temps fall below freezing.
Notable Snow Events and White Christmases
Kansas doesn’t get a white Christmas very often. In Kansas City, the chance is about 18%, based on records going back to the late 1800s.
Most of the state averages just a 10–25% likelihood of snow on the ground for the holiday.
A few years are worth mentioning. In 1918, Kansas City woke up to 10 inches of snow depth on Christmas morning. In 2009, the city got 3.3 inches of snowfall on the day itself.
The last big white Christmas most people remember happened in 2013, with several parts of the region reporting 4 inches on the ground.
These events are rare, but they prove that big snow can and does happen.
If you’re planning travel, expect dry ground most years, but keep in mind that sudden winter storms have made some Christmases in Kansas both snowy and unforgettable.
Climate Factors Influencing December Weather
December weather in Kansas depends a lot on the landscape and how air moves through the region. Geography and wind patterns shape the temperatures, precipitation, and daily changes you’ll notice during the holidays.
Impact of Geography and Elevation
Kansas sits smack in the middle of the U.S., stretching from the Flint Hills in the east to the High Plains in the west.
This range of terrain affects how cold air settles and how storms form.
Eastern Kansas, with its lower elevations and more moisture from rivers, can end up with slightly milder temps and a higher chance of freezing rain.
Western Kansas, up at 3,000–4,000 feet, sees colder nights and a greater risk of snow.
No big mountains block the air, so cold Arctic air rushes south fast. Warm air from the Gulf of Mexico can push north just as quickly.
This open landscape creates the sharp temperature swings that so many Kansans know all too well in December.
Elevation also affects wind chill. Higher, flatter areas out west often feel colder because strong winds sweep across open ground.
If you drive across the state, you might notice a 10–15 degree difference between east and west on the same day.
Role of Air Masses and Wind Patterns
December weather comes from clashing air masses. Cold, dry air from Canada often sweeps into Kansas, dropping temps well below freezing.
A few days later, warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico can move in, raising temperatures and bringing rain or mixed precipitation.
The jet stream really calls the shots by steering these air masses. When it dips south, Arctic air takes over and snow chances go up. When it shifts north, Kansas can get a mild stretch with highs in the 40s or even 50s.
Wind direction also matters. North and northwest winds usually bring colder, drier air. South winds often mean warmer temps and higher humidity, sometimes raising the risk of ice storms.
Kansas sits in the middle of the continent, with no ocean to slow things down. That means you can get rapid changes in just 24 hours—sunny and calm one day, windy with snow flurries the next.
This kind of variability is just part of December in Kansas.
Travel and Outdoor Considerations During Christmas
Cold weather, short days, and the chance of snow all affect how you get around Kansas in late December. Roads, airports, and outdoor plans can all get thrown off by winter weather, so planning ahead helps keep things running smoothly.
Typical Road and Air Travel Conditions
Driving across Kansas in December means you’ll probably deal with cold mornings, possible frost, and the occasional snow.
Western and northern Kansas see more snow, while central and eastern parts usually get less.
Even small amounts of snow can make roads slick, especially on bridges and rural highways.
Crews clear major highways like I‑70 and I‑35 pretty quickly, but secondary roads might stay icy longer. Strong winds can blow snow across open fields, cutting visibility fast.
Give yourself extra time for travel and check road conditions before you go.
Snow doesn’t mess with Kansas air travel as much as it does up north, but storms can still cause delays.
Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport and Kansas City International Airport both have snow removal gear, but winter weather can still slow things down. Booking direct flights and traveling earlier in the day helps you dodge cancellations.
Safety Tips for Winter Weather
If you’re driving, keep a winter kit in your car. Pack blankets, water, snacks, a flashlight, and an ice scraper.
These items can make a big difference if you get stuck or delayed.
Dress in layers and wear insulated boots if you’re heading outside. Even a short walk in cold wind can feel harsher than you’d expect.
Gloves, hats, and scarves help prevent frostbite if you’re out for long or stuck waiting.
Watch for weather alerts. The National Weather Service puts out advisories for snow, ice, and wind chill.
If you plan to hike or visit Kansas parks, stick to marked trails and avoid heading out late in the day when it gets dark early.
Simple precautions let you enjoy Christmas travel while cutting down on winter risks in Kansas.
Comparing Christmas Weather to Other Winter Months
Kansas winters bring cold air, frequent wind, and a mix of snow and dry stretches. Christmas usually falls during a transitional part of the season, when temperatures and precipitation can shift quickly compared to both earlier December and the deeper chill of January.
Weather Trends in December Versus January
December in Kansas usually kicks off the stretch of real winter weather. Average highs sit in the low 40s °F if you’re out east, but they slide down to the upper 30s °F in the west.
At night, lows hang out in the 20s °F. Northern and western counties can get even colder, especially after dark.
Snowfall starts to show up more often after mid-December. Folks tend to notice the difference once those flakes become a regular thing.
By January, things get colder and honestly, a bit more predictable. Highs stick close to the upper 30s °F, while lows can fall into the teens or low 20s °F.
January claims the title of coldest month in most parts of the state. It’s not really up for debate.
Snow shows up more often in January than it does earlier in December. Northern and western Kansas usually pick up the most, while the southern parts see less.
Wind chills in January can make it feel way colder outside than what the thermometer says. Sometimes, it’s just brutal.
Key difference: December brings more variety, but January locks in the cold and ups the odds for lasting snow cover.
How Christmas Weather Fits Into Kansas Winter Patterns
Christmas Day lands right at the start of Kansas’s real winter. Highs usually hang out in the upper 30s or low 40s °F. Lows can drop into the 20s °F, so it’s chilly enough to make you reach for an extra layer.
Snow might show up, but honestly, you can’t count on it every year. Historical records say about half of Kansas Christmases get at least a trace of snow.
If you want measurable snow sticking around, that’s a bit less common, especially down south. Northern and western Kansas see better chances for a white Christmas, though.
Precipitation around Christmas is pretty moderate. Wichita, for example, averages about 0.8 inches of rainfall in December. It also gets around 2.1 inches of snowfall.
Lawrence and Goodland see a bit more snow. Goodland, in particular, often gets over 2 inches by the end of December.
You’ll notice the days feel short, with only about 9.5 to 10 hours of daylight near Christmas. Toss in the frequent cloud cover, and the holiday definitely feels colder than early December.
Christmas weather in Kansas tends to mark the switch from those lingering fall vibes to the deeper cold that January brings.